Bangkok Day 1 - Yaorawat and Chatuchak

As said, this is my blogpost on my shopping trip to Bangkok. I did not venture into any touristy stuff such as elephant shows, Calypsos, Cabaret shows or whatsoever! But you can implement those as you plan out your own Bangkok trip. Any-who, I did go to places that interest me and the others such as Dr Jone's orphanage.. Asiatique..etc. But for now here's Day 1 :)

1st Day Itinerary 
24/11/2013 (Sun)

7:50am: Flight to Bangkok

9:30am: Touchdown

10:20am: Reach Hotel, still cant check in yet

10:30am: Head to Chatuchak to shop and have lunch

2:30pm: Head to Hotel and Check in and rest

6pm: Buy toiletries and scout for dinner at Yaorawat

Me and my pretty Milky

3 kiddies, haha

So there are 5 of us, 3 of them are my students and the other is my colleague. 5 of us arent really big sized so yeah can squeeze into a taxi just fine. :)

Anyway make sure to set a day to visit Chatuchak as it is really big. It has over 8000 stores Omg only now I know. (We walked like less than 100 stores already feel so tired.) It only opens on Fridays (1600-2400), Saturdays and Sundays(both 0900-1800).  

There's so many many things here. From clothes to furniture, to plants to even cute little dogs and reptiles.

What I would really recommend here?

Their sweet orange juice (it's actually tamarind) with totally no sugar added. Delicious!

Coconut Ice cream, definitely!

Yummy Thai Coconut Ice Cream

Anyway try not to get too carried away buying clothes here as there could be cheaper ones at Pratunam. A dress here that is selling at 390 Baht is priced at 110 Baht at Pratunam! But not all clothes can be found at Pratunam so unless you really really like it, just get it! You might not find it again~ 

Instead, focus more on bags and shoes as there is little of those at Pratunam.
I got myself a pair of ballet flats for 150 Baht and a real nice hoodie jacket.
Anyway The BF got an authentic leather jacket at one of chatuchak's narrow alleys last year

and the quality is really good! Below is a pic of him wearing it :)

Once our legs became jelly and we had enough of Chatuchak (We didnt even get to see the cute puppies) we headed back to rest. 

Dinner at Yaorawat

Just walk down from the hotel and start walking the street, there'll be

 many many stalls all set up ready to serve customers! 

Make sure not to go too late ..when we went down at 9pm for supper, many stalls have closed~

You'll be amazed to see many stalls selling Bird's nest at 150 Baht a bowl 

and shark fin soup at 300 Baht...

I'm not a big fan of Shark fin but Fish Maw is really tasty! You should give it a try :)

Anyway there is a particular stall that is a great favorite of the Bf and mine,

and once I introduced it to my companions they agreed the food was really good.

Its a stall operated by an old lady and 2 female workers, they sell all sorts of stuff but the most yummiest would be their seafood tom yum and beef fried rice!

 It is SERIOUSLY MUST TRY.

Hmm how to pinpoint their location...

Its actually quite some walk from the hotel, just keep walking straight...

its near and opposite (not directly)  of Tesco supermart and its actually just at the mouth of Sampeng Market's main entrance. In the morning Sampeng entrance  look like this:

Hope you can find it! Just spot a corner stall with an old lady working the wok! She fries really good! 

There's tables and chairs set up so it shouldnt be hard to spot.

After that we bought some snacks at 7-11 and went back to rest for a great day ahead!

You must buy their Yakult tasting drink! Its called Bitagen there, its so cheap and so yummy. Not too overly sweet and sourish like ours taste like here in Malaysia~~ 

Anyway this concludes my 1st Day at Bangkok, stay tuned for updates! :)

Bangkok Trip (Shop till you drop)

Sa Wa Deeee Kahhhhhh~~

So I was at Bangkok last Sunday for five days! It's my second trip there, last year being the first. The food and the shopping was too good that I stalked AirAsia website almost everyday just to grab a cheap getaway.

My 2012 shopping spree at Pratunam, Bangkok. 

So in the end I nicked a RM300 (roughly) return flight and there were 5 of us going as a group. :)

So before I blog about my trip and the places to go, here are some tips and advice for those of you shopaholics who are planning to go there! (Click here to go straight to Day 1 of my Bangkok trip.)

How many people?

Firstly, I think going in a group of 4 is the most ideal. As they say, there is security in a company. :) Last year I went with my BF, his sister and a close guy friend; it was a good mix because we can do our shopping seperately - meaning the guys can leave us girls to roam about and not worry.. Taxi fares would cause far less since we all can share, we can try a variety of food by sharing around as opposed to just 2 people buying limited food.

This year there were 5 of us, all girls, we still could fit into a taxi (although rules clearly do not allow it, but hey they dont really care). It's best to go with friends that have similar taste in clothes with you when it comes to shopping in the wholesale area in Pratunam, so you wouldn't have to fork out more cash for clothes that can go cheaper if bought in quantities.

5 of us - Group Shot at one of the washroom at Terminal 21 :)
From left- Joey, Me, Ally, Milky and Jinne

For those going alone, in duos or in threes, going around town in tuk-tuks are good.. So is Bangkok's BTS skytrain, it can get you to major destination points and the people working there are real helpful too.

Where to stay at Bangkok?

For the first two nights we stayed at Yaowarat, which is Bangkok's Chinatown. 

The reason being: the endless variety of  food there during evening time is awesome! 

and during morning time there is a huge morning market which offers very cheap wholesale stuffs 

from accessories to shoes to makeup. (Especially the makeup!!) 

Night Scene of Yaorawat Chinatown

Pratunam wholesale Market

The other two nights were spent at Pratunam,

 this is where the shopping really gets started. 

Pratunam wholesale market is really where most vendors go to restock their clothes supply~

Hotel suggestion 

For Chinatown/Yaorawat, I recommend staying at Chinatown Hotel just because it is reasonably priced, I stayed here for the second time. It has free wifi, comfy rooms, situated opposite 7-11, just in front of Chinatown street where it turns into a food paradise once evening sets in. 

(Though when I stayed here this year, the bathroom door somehow doesn't fully shut?? I wonder why. We didn't mind, just took caution not to accidentally peek inside)

Chinatown Hotel, Bangkok

For Pratunam, the Hotel I stayed last year was the best. First House Hotel is situated just at the heart of pratunam wholesale market, it's really literally shopping just outside your doorstep. It's good in a sense that once you're tired, you could always retreat upstairs to rest and place your shopping and then continue again later on. 

First House Hotel, though it isn't as bright as the picture. I stayed here last year.

I stayed at Siam Star hotel this year and it was terrible. The hotel and room was ok, it's just that it's a long way walking to the market and it wasn't convenient at all. It is however very near the railway station. 

Check out Agoda, Asiarooms, Airasia hotel, Booking.com or even the hotel's website itself to find the best rate available. 

The rates I got for Chinatown hotel was rm110 a night for 2 people, and about rm100 a night for 2 people for Siam Star Hotel. Plus the taxes and stuff my own total hotel expenses is roughly about rm 200-250 for 5D4N.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel! One day I'll stay there in my coming visits to Bangkok :p

Of course this is just a suggestion for those who would prefer a budget but good stay. 

Do Check out other hotels and reviews too for alternatives~~ 

How much should You budget?

Thai Bahts. Rm 1 = 10 Baht

Last year I brought along rm1500 (15000 baht) and I really did buy so many things and still have rm200 left~ which I used to buy a pretty evening gown. This year I thought I would spend more so I brought rm1700 but still only manage to spend rm1400 despite buying so many things and eating so many yummy stuff.

During the 5 days here, I only spent a total of rm 80 for transport since I'm sharing with 4 other people~ 

If you're concerned it's not enough, bring along some local currency and change it there~ currency exchange stations are everywhere around the corner.

Luggages and what to pack?

I did not check in any luggage when going to Thailand as there is really no need for the hassle. I only brought  a backpack and a handbag to bring along while I shop.

There are countless stores in Bangkok that are selling luggage bags for shopaholics to stock their clothes in from rm10-50, depending on what type of bag you want. Last year I bought a big sturdy plastic pulley luggage bag for only rm38 and it held all of my shopping. You can purchase a 20kg or 25kg luggage check in when coming back to Malaysia.

I brought 2 pairs of casual clothes since I will be buying more clothes there, it makes sense to just pack light! :D for toiletries... shampoos and soaps are cheap in Thailand as most brands such as Sunsilk is manafactured there so it's really much cheaper. Just pop into any convenient stores or supermarkets and stock up! 

What else? 

Taxis here go by meter and starts at 35 baht, but some taxi drivers may want to try to give you a higher price and not go by meter. For example going to chatuchak market, a taxi driver quoted 200 baht but when I got on a metered one it only costed 110 baht! 

Tuk Tuk

Also, be wary of tuk tuks that bring you on a tour. Usually they will bring you to certain shops and force you to buy some products .. (As read from other blogs)

Make sure you do enough research on what to do and where to go. So let's start! Continue on to read my first day at Bangkok!

Day 1: Yaorawat and Chatuchak

Nuffnang Post- The amazing Spiderman - Animal super powers!

Unless you're an old toad hiding under the rocks for sometime,
you should've already heard of the new awesome Spider-Man movie out in cinemas soon!

Nuffnang's handing out 50 pairs of preview passes for those who submit their entries..click here :)

and also something even more exciting!

The 10 most creative entries get to walk home with amazing prices.

I am sooo loving O.P.I's super nail polish set :) see the link above!

So wish to get them~

Anyway to get those passes,

all you have to do is write a blog post, telling what animal/living being superpowers you would want to get if given a chance~

My Animal Super powers

After much deliberation, I have decided!

Instead of super cliche animals like horses with fast speed, snakes with deadly venom, cats and feline powers or even winged animals with flying abilities..

Ive decided to go against the norm,

and I chose..

The amazing Platypus!

Laughing are ya?

Think it's a silly choice ei?

Well here's some Platypi facts that would make you shiver and hide under your mama's skirts!

Yes, be prepared to be awed by this animal like no other!!

1. The Power: Electrolocation

Platipus have this super awesome ability to sense electric fields generated by muscular contraction.

This means they can sense your directional location if you so much as move a muscle.

Even when they are in underwater, blind with eyes shut tight!

Incredible right? who knew that this furry little duck mixed beaver looking creature could harness such power?

Even without the sens of smell... it knows where you are even if you just stood still and breathe!

Imagine having this ability to detect the location of people just by feeling someone move! I think this would come in handy too when Im looking for my phone with the uncanny ability to go missing!

(especially when its in silent mode and its a pain having to find it vibrating!)

2. Venomous- DANGER

Males have a sharp hollow spur on their hind ankles. These are venomous. The venom can kill a small animal or incapacitate a human.


How cool is that??

3. Cuteness Overload!

Aside from the mismatched looking body portions,

they are still so adorable looking in their unique way.

Cuteness means having the power to deceive mortal enemies while devising diabolical plans,

muahahahaha~

Oh yeah, they're just as Bad A##!

Platypus rules,

You argument is invalid!!

Vanity :) My princess Daenerys make up~

Recently I found myself starting to pay attention to my looks again.

Usually Im all T-shirt and Jeans and Im set to go, off to my tuition classes :)

Usually with bare to no make up applied~

But I realize make up is better than going bare,

for one.. It actually helps protect your skin from dust and sunlight and such else that can be absorbed by the pores...

I also realize my skin got better after cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

The most basic and essential steps to good skin :)

(which I usually take for granted)

Here's some vain pics,

hee hee.

I applied 

BB cream - Clinique

Concealer - Maybelline

eyebrow pencil - Cyber colours (brown)

Mascara - Za

white eyeshadow - Maybelline

minimum blush - I have no idea what brand is this haha. counterfeit MAC?

And tadah :)

I was mimicking the fresh innocent vibe of my favorite character- Daenerys Targaryen!

Of course, asian version! 

Maybe I should get green contact lenses ( in the books her eyes are violet)

I came off looking much fairer!

Haha instead of the gawky usual me,

people start paying attention to me!

and I realized the guards react faster when I go to my student's houses (all heavily guarded by security guards)

They even open the door without asking for my info!

Sighs, beauty. ei?

Yesterday an auntie asked me if I was Korean!

That got me laughing :)

Anyway....
My current obsession is Games of Thrones,

its a new(ok not really new) TV series based on a book called A song of Ice and Fire..

What really made me love the show is the story of Daenerys Targaryen..

A princess who went into hiding after the throne was ruled by another, 

born of the blood of dragons,

forced into marriage with a Tribal Warlord and became a mighty queen,

Learned to Love,

Became stronger,

from timidity to courageous,

Beautiful and enticing.

Love this character very much :)

Played by Emilia Clarke,

perfect for the role!

Cuz of her I was obsessed with the clean, fresh faced make up look :)

Snow White and the Hunstman

SPOILER.

Do not proceed if you have not catch this movie!

Initially I thought it's gonna be a cat chase mouse story, with Thor chasing Bella around trying to kill her. Now I must really question the term Huntsman for.. wait what was Chris Hemsworth's character's name?- Oh thats right, just Huntsman. He wasnt even a huntsman to begin with~

Turns out the major twist in this movie is that the initially hired assasin a.k.a rugged huntsman becomes an ally to Snow White and tries his best to keep her away from the queen and danger. Leading her to the fortress of a duke, the king's former loyal subject, the huntsman finds himself falling for the princess.

Now I had mixed feelings after watching this. In all, the movie serves as another dark gloomy twist on legendary fairy tales that has been for around ages. Though hard it tries to potray 'dark and gloomy', it wasnt really... there? If you want dark and gloomy, check out the latest Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried! Now thats a fairy tale twist that keeps your toes on!

The things I like though are the location the films were shot at. The landscape's breathtaking and the fairy's sanctuary was so dreamy, so lovely :)

I couldnt really capture Kristen Stewart's lovely innocent vibe though.

Troll takes a look at her and becomes all soft and submissive,

I look at her and all I see is a confused girl with her mouth opened most of the time!

Not only that,

Snow White's struggle throughout the movie as an escaped captive with a heavy burden to lead the nation- is not that evident, not strongly portrayed. The part where Snow White rises from the dead and begins shouting sense into the people didnt move me one bit! Sure Kristen's voice gave impact, but her facial expression, the passion, the momentum.. hmm.. lacking?

Her love scene with her childhood friend William or actually the queen in disguise makes me wonder at her ability to not stammer, to look not so sullen when engaged in conversations. Can she ever look straight to the eyes and pretend she actually enjoys the moment?

And the next thing you know, Snow White's all tough and manly in Armour charging towards the palace.

The ending wasnt what I expected to be, so short, so fast is the change of hands of the kingdom. The Queen should have a better come back, better plot to overcome Snow White before being stabbed to death!

Being a romantic, I was disappointed by the lack of emotional tension! The love story doesn't really pull on your heart strings nor does it make you flutter by like some other love scenes do.

But! Charlize did a great job being queen :)

For once I felt sadness for the wicked queen, the movie shows her past, her tears and her sorrows, the driving force that led her to what she is.

She is really a beauty.

Anyway I heard there will be a sequel,

and I wonder what could there possibly be to make a continuation?

I'd still watch it though,

just for my glorious haired Thor.

LOL

My Pick on Actresses who should be Snow White :)

Emilia Clarke

(She's from Game of Thrones!)

Victoria Justice

India Eisley

(If you remember, she plays Selene's daughter in Underworld!)

I already bought her innocence first hand!

Look at that face!

Though she is abit young, 18 years old..

She'd look like Thor's I mean- the Huntsman's daughter!

Alexandra Daddario

My perfect pick!

Beauty, innocence, wit, bravery and courage all pack in one!

She can be real soft and sweet looking (at least I'd really believe in all that innocence smish smosh for once) and then all battle-clad hardcore, warrior princess in a second!

By the way she's 26! And Kristen's 22!

Yet she looks way much younger~

Sushi Tei @ Tropicana City Mall

Hello :)

Today was a blissful day indeed!
Got to see my boyfriend and spent the whole day with him~
We went to Tropicana City Mall to redeem my prize from Red. Fm, which is by the way a RM 100 dining voucher at a restaurant called Cameron Valley~ (Yay me! I dont know how many times I won things from Red. Fm. Lol )

Anyway before we get to catch the latest Snow White movie, we looked around Tropicana for some good restaurant. Initially we wanted to go into Pasta Zanmai, but the crowd's crazy! It was full house right at lunch time~~

Sooo we opted for Sushi Tei :) Actually I've been here last year, a treat for Kat's birthday. According to my memory, the food's not bad.

What attracted us was the set lunch meals,

They were quite reasonable.. ranging from RM 15-30.

I didnt manage to take a pic of the menu though! too hungry~ 

But here are what we ordered :)

Chicken Teriyaki and Salmon set

@ RM 21.80

At a price of RM 21.80, this meal is so worth the penny :)

The chicken is extremely delicious, Teriyaki sauce like no other ~ i think i detected peanut sauce?

Good quantity, was enough to share for two

The salmons are huge and oh boy, were they fresh!

More close up of the salmons!

Why pay RM 7 or 8 for meager small sushi with small salmon when you can get these chunks plus yummy chicken, rice, soup and chawanmushi @ RM 21.80?

Get this if you do visit :)

Highly recommended!

Sanma Kabayaki 

@ RM 15.80

This was just okay, it is basically spicy seafood rice with clamps, tuna and salmon rolls~

It was a tad bit too spicy though, the rice I mean.

Just makes my eyes water, so I dont recommend this to people with a low tolerance for spicy food!

Other than that, the unagi-look-alike Tuna fish is yummy :) 

Our sets both come with Chawanmushi and miso soup.

This is perhaps the tastiest chawanmushi I've had.
Of so many ones I've tasted, Sushi Tei's ones are rich in flavour! Mushrooms chewy, egg tofu just right, a little hint of chicken meat and there's even a little ginko seed to chew on.

This really opened up our appetites!

The Miso Soup is just..okay though. 

More photos :)

The ambiance is really cozy :) Soft orange lights and stylish interior~

Hmm Japanese food business here in Malaysia's so competitive!

I think each of them have their unique standing,

Here in Sushi Tei I'm all about their set lunches :) 

Compared to Pasta Zamai's (which are quite small in portion) 

Sushi Tei's really filling!

And oh! The salmon. Really, its good!

Tropicana City Mall

Lot-G-16, Ground Floor

Jln SS20/27, PJ 47400

03-77289299